NEW DELHI, Nov. 7 -- The defence ministry is expected to soon initiate the procurement of medium transport aircraft (MTA) to bolster the Indian Air Force's airlift capabilities, and three global plane makers are expected to compete for the order, people aware of the matter said on Thursday.

The defence acquisition council, India's apex military procurement body, is expected to accord its acceptance of necessity (AoN) for buying up to 80 transport planes by December-end, and the process will result in a tender being issued in early 2026, the people said, asking not to be named. Under India's defence procurement rules, the AoN by the council is the first step towards buying military equipment.

Those vying for the order include US firm Loc...